Gary Waddock has pulled off a major coup by snapping up one of the country's top young goalkeepers for the rest of the season
England Under 21 international Tom Heaton has arrived at Adams Park from Premier League champions Manchester United. Chester-born Heaton (23) recently completed a loan spell at League Two high-flyers Rochdale where he was on the losing side only once in twelve games.
Gary Waddock told wwfc.com: "I'm delighted to have signed someone of his quality. Coming from a club like United and with the league experience he has gained, I'm sure that Tom will be a very good acquisition.
"Manchester United have been very helpful in letting Tom join us and I'm looking forward to working with him."
Coincidentally, the 6'1" 'keeper made his first senior appearance against the Wanderers in 2005 whilst on loan at Swindon Town. He was first choice for the Robins in a three-month loan spell before returning to Old Trafford where he became a regular in United's youth and reserve teams.
After a stint with Belgian club Royal Antwerp in 2006, Heaton moved on loan to Championship outfit Cardiff City last season. He featured 24 times for the Welsh club and played at the Emirates Stadium in an FA Cup tie against Arsenal.
Heaton joined Queens Park Rangers on loan at the start of the current campaign and played against Chelsea in the Carling Cup in September before switching to Rochdale, where he proved to be a fans' favourite.
In addition to being rated as one of England's top young 'keepers, Tom is also a talented outfield player who once scored a goal for Wrexham in a pre-season friendly. The former England youth international goes straight into the squad for the Blues' trip to Brentford on Saturday.
Source.
England Under 21 international Tom Heaton has arrived at Adams Park from Premier League champions Manchester United. Chester-born Heaton (23) recently completed a loan spell at League Two high-flyers Rochdale where he was on the losing side only once in twelve games.
Gary Waddock told wwfc.com: "I'm delighted to have signed someone of his quality. Coming from a club like United and with the league experience he has gained, I'm sure that Tom will be a very good acquisition.
"Manchester United have been very helpful in letting Tom join us and I'm looking forward to working with him."
Coincidentally, the 6'1" 'keeper made his first senior appearance against the Wanderers in 2005 whilst on loan at Swindon Town. He was first choice for the Robins in a three-month loan spell before returning to Old Trafford where he became a regular in United's youth and reserve teams.
After a stint with Belgian club Royal Antwerp in 2006, Heaton moved on loan to Championship outfit Cardiff City last season. He featured 24 times for the Welsh club and played at the Emirates Stadium in an FA Cup tie against Arsenal.
Heaton joined Queens Park Rangers on loan at the start of the current campaign and played against Chelsea in the Carling Cup in September before switching to Rochdale, where he proved to be a fans' favourite.
In addition to being rated as one of England's top young 'keepers, Tom is also a talented outfield player who once scored a goal for Wrexham in a pre-season friendly. The former England youth international goes straight into the squad for the Blues' trip to Brentford on Saturday.
Source.